FOXBOROUGH – At the very least, Rob Gronkowski's return to practice Sunday wasn't a complete bluff.

With the New England Patriots dressed in shorts and shells during Monday's session, the tight end took part in agility drills and was running through 11-on-11
reps with the first-team offense when practice closed.

Coach Bill Belichick called Gronkowski "day to day" Monday, but added his return to practice was an indication Gronk is "definitely moving forward."

Following June back surgery, Gronkowski spent training camp
and the preseason on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
He was one of 51 players added to the active roster Saturday.

Gronkowski would have been made inactive for the first six
weeks of the season if he had started it on the PUP list. It is not known if he will be available for Sunday's opener in Buffalo.

Given the original timetable for his return, putting
Gronkowski on the field this weekend would be on the aggressive end of his
projected recovery. It remains possible New England has put him on
the field to force the Bills to prepare for the All-Pro.

The Patriots also have rookie Zach Sudfeld and Michael
Hoomanawanui at the position.

A regular observer during training
camp, Gronkowski went through agility drills on a side field while the rest of
the team practiced last week. He made his first appearance on the field Sunday
and participated in agility drills, caught some passes and worked on his
blocking technique.

The only player missing from
Monday's practice was offensive lineman Will Svitek, who was spotted wearing a
knee brace Sunday. Running back Brandon Bolden was on the field with a brace on
his right knee.